Sunday, December 22, 2013

What a LOVELY time we had today!! My oldest son, Eric, his wife Susan and their two sons, Jedediah and Jonathon came over from Sacramento today. We had such a wonderful time and a great deal of fun, laughter and fabulous food. My grand daughter, Arrie, roasted two chickens, Patti (Wade's girlfriend) made a fabulous macaroni salad with a dill dressing. My son Wade (Arrie's dad) and Patti made up batches of fudge, both dark chocolate and milk chocolate. Talk about a feast!! I'm proud of all my kids, but I want to tell you about Eric. He is an amputee and has started a support group for discussing problems amputees face. I am so very proud of Eric and his adjustment to being an amputee. He's marvelously grounded, and always has a smile and laughter. And emotional support for anyone. He doesn't provide any sort of financial support to fellow amputees nor their families. BUT, he does have a wealth of resources and is always glad to share . His page can be seen on Facebook at:

Friday, December 13, 2013

Found some great ACEO's on Zibbet and they talked to me ... so of course, I had to buy them. :) I think the ACEO's are more of a sideline for her. Love those little 2.5" x 3.5" works of art! I can hardly wait until they arrive. I've got plenty of space in my ACEO frames for them.Her shop is called: Clarify Wearable Textile Art and has some stunning fashions for all sorts of sizes. :) Her work is fabulous, her fashions are REALLY in the realm of top Fashionista!! The decorative stitching is fabulous. Off to hunt for more!Marge ~ who is taking a couple days off from knitting.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

I love I-CORDS!! They're quick and easy to make and have so many uses.

Besides making ooooodles of them on the knitting machine when I'm working on a project, I've got one of those Cord Makers (you can find them around the net at dealers sites and eBay ranging from $10 - $25). One of the best little knitting helper investments I ever made. Just make sure it comes with the two original clip weights.

I keep a variety of colors of cords on hand, using up scraps, etc. You can even make them in stripes as well as solids. Or blend 2 strands of thinner yarns for a nice tweedy look. I string mine onto large hand knitting stitch holders

Here are some great ideas for using I-Cord. This list is not comprehensive, just a few to show you some of the diversity of I-Cord.

• Laces for shoes, a tabard vest, chemise closure

• Drawstrings for bags, hats, purses, sweater tops, etc.

• Stitch it onto a sweater outlining a picture.

• Use around the edge of a blanket; such as weaving in and out of a worm edge. (see picture)

• Hang it on as you knit for dimensional embellishment such as captured in pull-up knitweave (see picture)

• Scrunchies / Hair ties

• Braid it for trims on jackets, around necklines, etc.

• Knit long I-Cord then knit potholder, attaching I-Cord as you go for trim.

• Tie into intricate knots such as a celtic design to embellish.

• Knit-weave your thinner I-Cord for a thick lap robe.

• Coil I-Cord and crochet them for coasters and placemats (see picture)

• Intricate loops and swirls glued to a lampshade OR, if you have knit a lampshade, sew into place for embellishment.

Just finished up winding off MORE luxury and specialty yarns and they're now LIVE in my Shop. AND, there's also 10% off your order through Dec. 15th. Discount is automatically taken off. Just look at all the lovely colors and textures!These can be purchased in my ZIBBET Shop!These will come boxed to prevent crushing unless you want me to use bubble wrap and a poly-mailer. That would save around 3-5 ounces. Mailing from Sparks, NV 89431. Please note: All yarns are stored in a smoke free, but pet friendly environment.Until next time ...Thanks!Marge

Saturday, November 9, 2013

This picture is of Buttons. Jerry's cat. The one who roamed the house howling and searching for Jerry after he passed away. Took her several weeks to realize he was not coming back. She now gets up in my lap for some cuddles. Snapped this pic of her just this morning. She's such a sweetie.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Other than me, of course! LOL. Starting to go through a rather huge stack of CD's and have put the following up on Zibbet in my Vintage Music section:

Does anyone ever need men's ties to repurpose? I've still got about half a dozen or so that are just lolling about in the closet in a plastic hanger bag. If you are interested, please let me know and I'll put them up on Zibbet in my Craft Supplies section along with all the other nifty craft supplies I have in there.

Don't forget, my YARN sale with 15% OFF any of my yarns is still valid until the 10th of November. So hurry and get your orders in now! Use Promo code B0G938 for this fabulous yarn discount!

Saturday, October 26, 2013

The author of this is unknown and I'm not sure when it was originally posted, although the tone in some of the items seem to point toward the VietNam war years. It's quite long but I wanted to get this online FOR THE TROOPS of today, who defend our way of life, put themselves unflinchingly into harms way. For us. We owe them our deepest gratitude.

Very recently, right here in Sparks, NV., former Marine Master Sergeant, in the Nevada National Guard and a beloved teacher at Sparks Middle School shielded children when a young student with a gun was firing. He tried to talk the youngster down. The youngster simply pointed the gun at that hero and fired, mortally wounding him.

*~* R.I.P. Master Sergeant Michael Landsberry *~*

Our alarm goes off, you hit the snooze and sleep for another 10 minutes.-He stays up for days on end.__________________________You take a warm shower to help you wake up.-He goes days or weeks without running water.__________________________You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.-He gets shot at, as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.__________________________You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.-He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.__________________________You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.-He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.__________________________You talk trash on your "buddies" that aren't with you.-He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.__________________________You don't feel like helping out your dad today, so you don't.-He does what he is told.__________________________You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.-He walks the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.__________________________You complain about how hot it is.-He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.__________________________You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.-He does not get to eat today.__________________________Someone makes your bed and washes your clothes.-He wears the same things for months, but makes sure his weapons are clean.__________________________You go to the mall and get your hair redone.-He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.__________________________You are angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.-He is told he will be held an extra 2 months.He does as he is told.__________________________You call your girlfriend and set a date for that night.-He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.__________________________You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.-He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.__________________________You ditch class to go to a movie.-He goes where he is told.__________________________You roll your eyes as a baby cries.-He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.__________________________You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.-He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own government and remembers why he is fighting.__________________________You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of the men like him.-He hears the gun fire and bombs.__________________________You see only what the media wants you to see.-He sees the bodies lying around him.__________________________You are asked to go to the store by your parents.You don't.-He does what he is told.__________________________You stay at home and watch tv.-He takes whatever time he is given to call and write home, sleep, and eat.__________________________You crawl into your bed, with down pillows, and try to get comfortable.-He crawls under a tank for shade and a 5 minute nap, only to be woken by gun fire.__________________________You sit there and judge him, saying the world is a worse place because of men like him.-If only there were more men like him.__________________________You gripe at your parents for not buying your favorite snack.-He's just happy to get some packages of Kool-Aid and a bag of chips.__________________________You get mad when you have to share your favorite treat with a younger sibbling.-He shares what little bit of anything he has with the men around him.__________________________

Thursday, October 24, 2013

My good old Brother 890 Knitting Machine has been busy again. This time, knitting up baskets. I've got 4 ready to be starched so far in the large oval size. I custom embellish them to order. They are a lot of fun to do, a bit messy with Aleene's Fabric Stiffener, but well worth the effort.

Want to try making these yourself? Sure! They are written for Machine Knitting. The patterns, complete with color pictures and full How-To text are available as digital download in either WORD or as a PDF file.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

I'm having a YARN SALE in the Yarns n Such section in my Zibbet Shop. 15% off any of the yarns. I love this feature that I can designate a discount in only certain areas of my shop!!Copy/Paste this coupon code ...

B0G938... into the appropriate portion of the order form. I combine shipping to save $$'s. Time to get back to my knitting! Have knit up about half a dozen Soap Sliver Saver Sacks and now to sew them up tomorrow. :) Also have some adult cuffs needing to be knit tonight on the bulky. Sheesh, orders are coming in faster than I can knit! Now to get those folks to come visit my ZIBBET shop since I've closed down handmades on both Etsy and Bonanza.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Although I'd begun on there back in 2010, life and family illnesses didn't allow time to devote to numerous online selling venues and Zibbet took a back seat. But recently, I've become discouraged with Bonanza's changes and all the problems sellers were having on Etsy. Hence, the move of most items to Zibbet. In case anyone was wondering where me and my stuff has moved to, come take a look at my ZIBBET Store!The views on there are superb!! MUCH better than Bonz and Etsy combined. And I've not even started advertising or promoting yet! Although I'm still finding my way about on Zibbet, it's so much nicer. The forums are excellent and the help ... WOW!

If you're looking for an alternate selling site or looking to buy quality Hand Made items for the coming Holiday Seasons, please consider Zibbet.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Yes, I had planned to keep the blog updated on a more regular basis, but frankly, everytime I logged in, I saw Jerry's picture. And I just couldn't. Until today. Oh, Happy Labor Day, by the way. :)

I made some discoveries on my Genealogy the other day. I know my Grandmother Pratt (Janet Young Bell) died back in October of 1913 when my father was only a young lad. He was born in 1903. After his mother's death, his father, Alexander Pratt (Pratt Brothers Electrical - Edinburgh) thought a trip would do them both good.

They'd planned to visit some relatives in the States, Dad remembered that Boston was one destination they made as well as New York, where they landed. I have no clue as to these relatives. Dad only told me 'cousins' and couldn't recall any names. And there were a LOT of Pratt's and affiliate lines running around. :)

So on the 11th of July, 1914, they boarded the S.S.Aquitania at Liverpool . They arrived in New York on the 17th of July 1914. Now they were only there a short time because WWI broke out for the British on the 4th of August, 1914. The day after Germany declared war on France.

Dad and Grandpa Pratt were hustled back [by staff from the British Embassy] to England literally in the dead of night! I've not been able to find exactly which ship was their return voyage nor an exact timeframe, but my Dad once told me it was the S.S. Mauretania, one of the sister ships to the Lusitania which was later sunk. Very little info on ship's manifests from New York to England on any of the Cunard Line ships.. I'm finding before and after WWI, but nothing during the timeline in which I'm looking. I'm still searching, though. :)

More searching to do over the next couple of weeks, will post again when anything new pops up.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

It is 45 years ago today when we first met, my love. After a whirlwind romance, we married a scant 4 1/2 months later on December 28, 1968. You promised me on our wedding day that life with you would never be boring.

Oh, my, it sure wasn't! There were one or two times when I wondered what 'boring' was like! Some ups, some downs, some joys, some sorrows, some craziness, but we always had an abundance love for each other and for our family.

Our faith carried us through the hard times and helped us rejoice and thank God for all the blessings. Especially the blessing of our three fabulous children, Jessica, Eric & Wade. And they blessed us even more by gifting us and the world with 6 superbly talented grandchildren.

Jesus gently took you into his loving arms on May 11th, 2012. We had 43 years and 5 months together. But you will always be with me, Jerry. Oh, how I miss you so very much.

Friday, August 9, 2013

I'm back in Nevada from my very much needed vacation. It was wonderful. So very restful and such a joy to see those 3 beautiful grandchildren ... all grown up. Sigh.

Now. What's my target? Well, knitting, for one thing. This past week and the well laid plans went awry somewhat. I've only completed 2 panels of an afghan on the Brother 390 in 9mm mode. Then I ran out of that yarn. (AARRGH!!) Took the 3rd (final panel) off on scrap until I can make a trip to JoAnn's to pick up more skeins.

Running out of yarn on a large-ish project is not fun. So I did a bit of an inventory on yarns I'd slated for larger projects to have at upcoming fall craft fairs. Hmmmm ... Need a few other yarns now. Or a change in plans on what I want to knit. Nope, I'll stick to the tried and true items that just about always sell very well for me. So all of my smaller amounts of yarn will be wound off into balls such as these that I currently have up in my Etsy Shop. They're lovely yarns, just not enough for projects I would do with them or they're not the right color/shade:

During my two day venture of inventorying my yarns, I discovered several that are now mystery yarns. Not sure where I picked them up or when, but the labels are now long gone. So time to do some fiber testing and then if I don't want to keep them, or can't determine the fiber, I'll ball them off the cones and up they go to my Etsy Shop! :)

I did manage to unearth several skeins / cones of cotton or cotton blend yarns that I will be using to knit up some Sachet / Soap Sliver Saver Sacks. I used to partner with a local gal who made fabulous goats milk soaps and we did them up in little gifty type baskets. But she's moved out of state now and has retired from making soaps, so will need to find another local source. Drat. I've thought of doing up potpourri net bags to have in the knit sacks and selling them as sachets. I've used them for my own closets / dressers and my Mom loved them for that. It's the stocking of all the various scents of potpourri that has me shying from that. It can be quite an investment.

That's it for this visit. :) Thanks for stopping by my blog. Hope you all have a great day!!

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Finally got around to looking at my blog ... good grief!! Ancient stuff on here. But so much has happened in the meantime. I'm now in Oregon, near Portland, staying for a month or so with my daughter, son-in-law and family. We came up about a week ago, I got dropped off and now the rest of my Nevada family is once again back home. My oldest son came over from California to house-sit with the 4 cats and 2 birds. LOLI needed to get away for awhile. My beloved Jerry has been gone from this world for a bit over a year. Time doesn't always make things easier to deal with in this life. So many memories, needed to clear my head. And try to figure out what all is next for me. I am going through withdrawl, though! NO Knitting Machine! Whimper-whine. LOL Well, I actually brought up my cord-maker. Time for some coasters!! And hair ties!! But, gee, I'm going to have to go get some yarn. Sigh. What a hardship. But I'll make the sacrifice. The lack of altitude is getting to me, I think. Has me a bit giddy. It's around 1,000 feet here, but was at 4500 or so in Nevada. Or perhaps, I'm actually relaxing. Marge